Connie Linen Obituary, Death News – Authorities in eastern North Carolina are investigating a deeply tragic series of events involving a 13-year-old boy and his grandmother, which ended with the young teen’s passing after an encounter with law enforcement.
According to the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on the morning of Thursday, October 30, when deputies responded to a home on Pearce Place in Hoke County following reports of a possible homicide. Upon arrival, deputies found 68-year-old Connie Linen deceased inside the residence. Details surrounding the cause of her death were not immediately released, but investigators quickly determined that her grandson, identified only as “J.A.” due to his age, was the main suspect in the case.
Authorities issued a warrant for the teen’s arrest on suspicion of first-degree murder. Law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions, including neighboring sheriff’s departments and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), joined in the search to locate him. The case drew attention across county lines as investigators worked swiftly to piece together what had led to the tragedy.
Later that day, officers tracked down the teen in his grandmother’s vehicle, which was found parked behind an abandoned mobile home in the Cameron area of Lee County. Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that when law enforcement approached the vehicle, the teen got out and ran across the street into a wooded area nearby.
As deputies pursued him, the teen allegedly picked up a wooden plank and moved toward one of the officers. According to an official statement from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy, perceiving a threat, discharged his weapon. After the shooting, deputies immediately rendered life-saving aid until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, the 13-year-old was later pronounced dead at the scene.
“This has been a tragic and emotional situation for everyone involved,” said Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil in a written statement released later that day. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Linen, as well as the family of the juvenile. We ask that our community come together with compassion and understanding as we all process this difficult event.”
The State Bureau of Investigation has since taken over the review of the case, focusing on both the initial homicide and the circumstances surrounding the deputy’s decision to use deadly force. Officials have not disclosed the name of the deputy involved but confirmed that the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedure in such incidents.
Community members have expressed grief and disbelief over the events, describing the situation as “heartbreaking beyond words.” Many called for patience and sensitivity as investigators continue to gather facts and clarify what led up to the confrontation.
Authorities have not provided additional details regarding what may have motivated the teen’s actions before the tragic chain of events began. Family friends and neighbors have also refrained from speculation, asking the public to allow investigators time to complete their work.
Both the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office stated that counseling and support resources are being made available to officers and community members affected by the incident.
“This is something no one in law enforcement ever wants to experience,” one department spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to everyone touched by this loss — a grandmother, a child, and two families forever changed.”
The SBI’s findings will determine whether any further actions or recommendations are necessary. For now, officials emphasize that the focus remains on understanding how this series of events unfolded and supporting the grieving families and community in the difficult days ahead.
Overall, the case has underscored the challenges and emotional toll that law enforcement and families face during crises involving young people — reminding all involved of the importance of empathy, prevention, and mental health awareness in the wake of tragedy.
